The Effects of an Educational Program on Using Dietary Approach to Reduce High Blood Pressure in Khartoum State, Sudan (2015)

Abstract

Background: Sudan is considered one of the leading countries in Africa for the prevalence of hypertension. However, a proper national registry on hypertension is not available in Sudan and evaluation studies are rarely done. Nevertheless, a recent study showed an increase in incidences of hypertension in Sudan. The DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diet, which is rich in fruits, vegetables, and low-fat dairy foods, significantly lowers the blood pressure. Objective: To examine the effectiveness of dietary approach to reduce hypertension (DASH) in the reduction of high blood pressure among hypertensive patients. Design: This research is an interventional case control community base study which was carried in 100 patients; 69 females and 31 males were selected by convenient sampling method. They were divided into two groups by simple random sampling 50 patients assigned in the case group and 50 in control group then followed every one separately for ten months. Intervention: The case group were taught individually about dietary approach to reduce hypertension DASH and each participant in case group possessed a book for teaching program to eat food low in saturated fat, cholesterol, total fat and emphasize fruits, vegetables, and fat-free or low-fat milk and milk products; then blood pressure measured monthly for both case and control group for ten month. Result: The study shows decrease in systolic blood pressure among patients who followed dietary approach and received teaching significantly in 4th month (p = 0.032) and diastolic blood pressure became significantly in 6th month (p = 0.032) and became more significant in next four months without change in control group. Conclusion: The study concluded that a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and low-fat dairy foods, reduced saturated and total fat can substantially lower blood pressure. Recommendation: It is necessary to apply a nutritional approach among all hypertensive patients because it could minimize both the healthcare workload and the money cost for therapy in clinical area.